Fall has arrived in Georgia and with it came all my cravings for hearty, comforting meals- the soups, the stews, butternut squash, the bacon….ohh the bacon! But let’s call a spade a spade- hours of prep and gourmet cooking are out the window these days with 2 little ones running around. So when looking for a quick, easy comforting meal this bacon beef butternut squash recipe hit the spot!

I found this bacon beef butternut squash recipe online and it was a family favorite from day one. One thing I love about it (other than the flavors) is how adaptable it is. If I have company coming over then it makes for a pretty meal, stuffed back into the peel of the butternut squash. But some nights I’m also just throwing it all into a glass dish, casserole style, and making dinner a little easier on myself. Either way, all of the amazing tastes of bacon beef and butternut squash never disappoint. 

Looking for a new fall recipe for your household? Give this bacon beef butternut squash dinner a try and let us know what you think!

Ingredients:

    • 1 butternut squash cut in half
    • 1lb ground beef
    • 6 slices of bacon
    • 3 small onions sliced, (reserve 1 for later)
    • 1-2 stalks of celery, diced
    • salt, pepper
    • 1 tsp of cinnamon (add more for taste if wanted- we love the cinnamon flavor)
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit
  • Cut squash in half and scrape out seeds
  • Roast for 30 minutes until squash is soft
  • While squash is in the oven, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, set aside and leave the bacon fat in the pan
  • Add 2 of the sliced onions and celery to the pan and then add the beef
  • Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon
  • Continue stirring until the beef is finished, remove from heat and place in a bowl
  • Remove the squash from the oven, when you can handle it scrape out some of the guts, leaving ~1/4 inch of squash, add squash to bowl with meat
  • Crumble your bacon and add that to the bowl as well
  • Mix well and then stuff your squashes with the beef mixture and place back in the 350 degree oven for 20 minutes
  • While your squash are baking, add your reserved onion to your sauté pan and cook them over low heat with your balsamic to caramelize them
  • Remove squash from oven, top with caramelized onions
  • Enjoy!

Recipe and photo cred to Civilized Caveman